Key points

On October 27, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a condolence message to the family of former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, praising Fukuda's contributions to the development of China-Japan relations. President Xi strongly urged Japan's current administration to comply with the four political documents between China and Japan, particularly calling for careful handling of the Taiwan issue. This appeal aims to protect the political foundation of bilateral relations and maintain stability. Attention is focused on the future trajectory of China-Japan relations. [1] [2] [6]

President Xi Jinping Sends Condolence Message on the Passing of Yasuo Fukuda

On October 27, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a condolence message to the family of former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. Fukuda was praised as a politician who played an important role in the development of China-Japan relations, notably for concluding the fourth political document between China and Japan in 2008. President Xi referred to Fukuda as an "old friend of the Chinese people" and highly valued his achievements. Along with expressing condolences to the family, President Xi called on Japan's current administration to adhere to the four political documents between China and Japan. It was reported that the condolence message was sent only to Fukuda's family and not to the current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. [1] [2] [6]

Yasuo Fukuda is known for his contributions to the development of China-Japan relations and for concluding the fourth political document with China in 2008. President Xi praised these achievements and strongly urged Japanese leaders to maintain the political foundation of bilateral relations. This message is regarded as important for building a stable relationship between the two countries. Through the condolence message, President Xi expressed hope that Fukuda's legacy would be carried on and that friendship between Japan and China would continue. The manner in which the condolence message was handled has drawn attention as indicative of relations with the current administration. [1] [2] [6]

President Xi Jinping's Call for Adherence to the Four Political Documents Between China and Japan

In connection with the passing of Yasuo Fukuda, President Xi Jinping strongly urged Japanese leaders to comply with the four political documents between China and Japan. These documents are the 1972 Joint Communiqué, the 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, the 1998 Joint Declaration, and the 2008 Joint Statement on a Comprehensive Strategic Mutual Relationship. In particular, careful handling of the Taiwan issue based on these documents was emphasized. President Xi expressed concern about the rightward shift in Japanese politics and statements by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, and expressed hope for maintaining stability in bilateral relations. [1] [2] [6]

The Taiwan issue is a sensitive matter in China-Japan relations, and President Xi regards it as an internal Chinese affair. Japan recognizes the Beijing government as the sole legitimate government under the 1972 Joint Communiqué but only states that it "fully understands and respects" Taiwan's status. President Xi criticized incorrect remarks by Japan concerning Taiwan and called for cautious handling to avoid undermining the political foundation of bilateral relations. This clearly indicates an intention to maintain peace and stability in the region. [1] [2] [6]

Past Meetings and China's Position

On October 31, 2025, at the APEC meeting held in South Korea, President Xi Jinping met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. During this meeting, President Xi expressed his intention to maintain the political foundation of bilateral relations and promote a strategic mutual relationship based on the principles of the four political documents between China and Japan. Both countries confirmed their willingness to cooperate toward building a long-term friendly relationship. President Xi expressed expectations that the new Japanese cabinet would respect the historical political documents and maintain stable relations. Japan also recognized China as an important neighboring country and showed a stance emphasizing dialogue and cooperation. [4]

On October 29, 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press conference where it refrained from making explicit comments about the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi but emphasized the importance of Japan's adherence to the four political documents between China and Japan and expressed a desire to maintain the political foundation of bilateral relations. While appreciating Japan's proactive stance toward China, China called for cautious handling of sensitive issues including the Taiwan matter. These developments are regarded as an important part of efforts to stabilize bilateral relations. Attention is focused on the future dialogue between the leaders of the two countries. [5]